Opposition Crossbencher MP Penioni Ravunawa has urged the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to promptly release the preliminary medical report concerning Ilaisa Toroca.
Ilaisa Toroca, aged 23, tragically passed away at Labasa Hospital last Saturday, following what has been described as alleged medical negligence at Waiyevo Hospital in Taveuni. His father, Sitiveni Johnson, 49, has alleged that the actions of the dentist and doctor at Waiyevo Hospital contributed to his son’s fatal outcome.
Mr. Johnson stated that he was informed by a doctor in Labasa that if his son had been transferred to Labasa Divisional Hospital sooner, he could have survived. He recounted that his son died only hours after being airlifted from Taveuni to Labasa Hospital.
Describing the final hours leading up to Ilaisa’s death, Mr. Johnson expressed his deep concern, noting that his son’s condition had rapidly deteriorated in Taveuni, prompting him to repeatedly request that medical staff facilitate his transfer that same day.
Ilaisa’s death resulted from complications following a dental procedure involving the extraction of two teeth, which led to severe bleeding and worsened his condition. MP Ravunawa stated that the timely release of the medical report could provide some solace to the grieving family and help restore public trust in the healthcare system in Fiji.
He emphasized the importance of transparent communication from health authorities in such tragic circumstances, stating that the delay in issuing the official report has only exacerbated the frustrations felt by the family and the wider community. The loss of a young life has brought considerable stress to the family during this difficult time.